COVID-19: What pregnant women and new moms should know

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms?

Fever

Mild to severe respiratory illness (cough, congestion, runny nose)

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Severe complications have included pneumonia (infection of the lungs) that may require extra support, like oxygen. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after a person is exposed to the virus.

Are pregnant women with COVID-19 at increased risk for complications?

To date, we have not seen that COVID-19 leads to adverse outcomes for pregnant women and their growing babies. Pregnant women may be more prone to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, and the complications from these illnesses. It is important to take precautions like washing your hands and avoiding contact with people who are sick. Additionally, in an abundance of caution, pregnant or lactating VCU Health team members will not care for patients with COVID-19.

I am healthy. Should I be concerned about coming to my appointment?

At this time, we are postponing annual appointments, and expanding virtual visit options – i.e. visits by phone, computer or tablet – for certain prenatal and well-baby appointments. You are encouraged to speak with your provider regarding your personal care.

Your health is important to us. We are screening all patients for illness symptoms. Even with this screening process, it’s important to follow the following tips:

Avoid unnecessary physical contact with others

Sit 3-6 feet from others in the waiting room

Wash hands frequently throughout your visit

Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze

I’m close to my delivery date. Will there be visitor restrictions during or after my delivery?

In order to protect you, your baby, other patients and our team, visitors will be limited. Please view our visitor policy updates for more specific information, as this information is subject to change. Additionally, we recognize the impact that doulas make on healthy birth outcomes. Healthy, certified doulas are welcome and are not included in a patient’s visitor count.

I’m sick, or my baby is sick. How do I know if it is COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to other respiratory illnesses like the flu. If you have concerns, contact your health care provider or your child’s pediatrician before heading to the doctor’s office or emergency room. They may ask you to take precautions to avoid exposing others. If you are having trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (call ahead if you are able).

I feel sick and have an upcoming appointment. What should I do?

The first step is to call your OB/GYN or midwife (currently pregnant) or your pediatrician/ family medicine doctor (for newborns). We need to know your symptoms before your visit so we can offer the necessary precautions and care, especially if you have a fever, cough or runny nose.

Can pregnant women with COVID-19 pass the virus to their fetus or newborn?

Due to limited data, we don’t know if a pregnant woman can pass COVID-19 to their fetus. Getting other respiratory illnesses (like the flu) during pregnancy can cause complications like low birth weight and preterm (early) labor.

What’s considered a fever in a newborn? When should I be concerned?

A rectal temperature is the most accurate reading for children under 3 years of age.

Call the doctor right away if your child is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Can you transmit the COVID-19 virus through breast milk? Should I continue breastfeeding?

We are still learning about how COVID-19 is spread. Person-to-person spread is thought to happen mainly via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus has not been found in the breast milk of women with COVID-19, in the limited cases reported to date. A mother with confirmed COVID-19 should take precautions like washing her hands before touching her baby and wearing a face mask while feeding. You should continue to breastfeed your baby as your baby will gain antibodies and key nutrients from breast milk.

Is it OK to use donor milk during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Donor milk provided by our hospital comes from a milk bank that follows thorough screening and sterilization processes. We do not recommend using donor milk from unknown or private sources.

I was signed up for a tour of the Labor and Delivery unit and some Parenting Classes. Should I still go?